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Monday, February 29, 2016

Gypsy - Theater Latté Da, Hennepin Theatre Trust

Up until this point in my life I had never seen a live production of Gypsy. I had heard a few cast recordings - of which there are at least five from Broadway and one from London - Merman, Lansbury (London cast but also played Broadway), Daly, Peter, LuPone and Imelda Stauton. I had watched both film versions - the Rosalind Russell and the Bette Midler - but never a live production. I had read the comments - "the best American musical", "the greatest musical", etc and honestly - not convinced. Everything that I knew told me there was no need. The show is so ingrained in many theater-kids worlds (especially of a certain age) that not only do I not feel the need to explain the story and characters, but I didn't really feel a need to see a show about a bossy stage mom who can't let go.

However...this production has totally changed my view about this show!! The Theater Latté Da production of Gypsy (part of the Broadway Re-Imagined series by the Hennepin Theatre Trust) is now playing at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis. Starting with the stage covered with piles of furniture, props, etc and a single ghost-light on stage, I was intrigued. The fantastic overture (usually over five minutes long) was turned into just the opening fanfare - and even then the trumpets sounded ghostly and far away. It was clear that we were starting at the end of something, and as the show progressed we realize it was the end of vaudeville. A false proscenium descended onto the stage and the show started. Historically Mama Rose barrels down the aisle of the theater, through the audience yelling "Sing out, Louise!" Michelle Barber chose a different path and it made all the difference in the world. Her tone was chiding and a bit weary - like she has consistently had to tell her daughter this over and over and over. She was a strong woman and loving mother who has her children's best interests at heart. She wants them to succeed, and is willing to do almost anything to make sure they do. Through the trials of Act One - the children growing up, starting to make their own decisions in life - Barber's Rose is growing with them. She is getting strong and more determined to the point that at the end of Act One, when Baby June has left the show and Mama Rose turns to Louise to tell her that she will be the new star - there was an audible murmur of disbelief through the house. Barber is amazing in showing the audience the journey this character is on, and the audience is right with her.

While the show Gypsy is about Rose, there are some fantastic actors and characters on stage. Peter Rothstein has done wonders with this cast. There is quite a bit of double and triple casting which works every time. Baby June played by Victoria Wyffels grows up to be Dainty June played by Shinah Brashears. Shinah consistently played with her age on stage - providing a soft "r" so that "Caroline" sounded like "Cawoline". Yet the minute she was playing June (instead of her on-stage Dainty June) that "r" turned right back into a hard "r." It was a fantastic choice. And the fact that I just now realized that Shinah plays two other characters (after being so great as June), I find that amazing. The incredible Tyler Michaels also plays three roles - Georgie (at the top of the show), then the grown-up Newsboy Tulsa (doing a great "All I Need is the Girl"), then totally changing gears and playing the stripper Electra! Who doesn't want to have that sort of versatility in their skillset!! And speaking of versatility, I have to mention Eriq Nelson - playing the gross Uncle Jocko at the start, then following it up with nine other characters!! Bravo! Each character through out the whole show was so individual that you never think of who is playing it, nor do you realize who is playing it at times.

One of the many great things about this production is that Mama Rose is played by Michelle Barber, while Louise (later Gypsy Rose Lee) is played by her daughter Cat Brindisi. Seeing these two on stage, the similarities physically and vocally was perfection. And if you thought that you saw Mama Rose get stronger and have a slow build during Act One, just wait till you see what Cat does in Act Two! From the sad, lonely girl (especially in the adorable "Little Lamb" number) who just wants some attention, to the very strong, capable and brilliant burlesque icon that Louise becomes - Cat brings you along her journey the whole way. You get an amazing sense of who this character could be in the number "If Mama Was Married." It is a great duet between the sisters and personally, I can't think of a better version. Her entry into burlesque and watching her become the star that Gypsy Rose is at the end of the show was also brilliant. So many great curtains and gowns. I'm not sure how she accomplished this without an amazing dresser! This production, and this cast was worthy of the standing ovation it received at the end. Here in Minnesota, you can't always say that.

Quick note to the Pantages, and other theaters. Please rethink the policy of allowing drinks and food into the theater. I was continually being distracted by the sound of candy wrappers, ice clinking, etc all the way through Act Two. Beyond that (and the very limited restrooms you have), I love your space! It was the perfect space for this production - especially considering that Gypsy Rose actually played the Pantages.